Volcanic wilderness, elephant plains, tranquil lakes and the legendary Maasai Mara – a diverse and visually spectacular safari across Kenya.
Overview
This six-day safari presents a visually striking and ecologically diverse journey beginning along Kenya’s coastline and culminating in Nairobi. It seamlessly connects four contrasting and iconic ecosystems: Tsavo West National Park, Amboseli National Park, Lake Naivasha and the world-renowned Maasai Mara National Reserve.
The adventure opens in Tsavo West, a dramatic wilderness of volcanic hills, lava flows and hidden springs. It then transitions into Amboseli, where vast plains host large elephant herds beneath the iconic silhouette of Mount Kilimanjaro. From there, the journey ascends into the Great Rift Valley, arriving at Lake Naivasha – a serene freshwater lake fringed with acacia woodland and abundant birdlife. The safari concludes in the Maasai Mara, one of Africa’s most celebrated wildlife reserves, known for its exceptional predator sightings and expansive savannahs.
This itinerary is ideal for travellers seeking maximum diversity, scenic contrast and immersive wildlife encounters within a single, well-paced safari experience.
Trip Highlights
- Volcanic landscapes and Mzima Springs in Tsavo West
- Large elephant herds beneath Mount Kilimanjaro in Amboseli
- Boat safaris and walking experiences at Lake Naivasha
- Big Five game viewing in Maasai Mara
- Rift Valley escarpment scenery and photographic viewpoints
- Seamless journey from coast to Nairobi across diverse ecosystems
Itinerary
This six-day safari unfolds as a dramatic progression through Kenya’s most iconic landscapes, blending rugged wilderness, open plains, freshwater ecosystems and world-class wildlife viewing into one seamless journey.
Distance: Approx. 250 - 300 km
Drive Time: Approx. 4 - 5 hours
05:30 a.m. - 06:30 a.m. | Pickup from Coastal Hotel
Your safari begins at first light as you depart from Kenya’s tropical coastline from Mombasa, Diani, Kilifi, Malindi or Watamu, leaving behind the palm-lined shores of the Indian Ocean.
As the journey unfolds inland, the scenery transitions dramatically into dry plains and acacia-dotted landscapes, setting the tone for the wilderness experience ahead.
Upon entering Tsavo West National Park, the terrain becomes increasingly rugged and dramatic, characterised by volcanic hills, lava flows and sweeping valleys that give the park its distinctive character.
12:30 p.m. | Arrival and Lunch
Arrive at your lodge or camp and enjoy lunch set against a backdrop of wild, untamed scenery, with wildlife often visible across the surrounding plains.
03:30 p.m. - 06:30 p.m. | Afternoon Game Drive
Head out into the park for your first game drive, exploring Tsavo West’s diverse ecosystems.
Wildlife commonly observed includes:
-Elephants navigating volcanic terrain
-Lions and elusive leopards
-Buffalo, giraffes and zebras
-Antelope species including gerenuk and impala
The landscape itself is a highlight, with lava ridges, rocky outcrops and hidden water sources such as Mzima Springs attracting wildlife throughout the day.
Evening | Dinner and Overnight
Return to your lodge as the sun sets over the volcanic hills, casting warm tones across the landscape. Dinner is served in a tranquil setting, accompanied by the distant calls of wildlife.
Overnight stay at the accommodation of your choice from the options below.
Option 1: Budget | Tsavo Inn Lodge
Option 2: Standard | Ngulia Safari Lodge
Option 3: Luxury | Voyager Ziwani Camp | Kilaguni Serena Safari Lodge | Severin Safari Camp
Option 4 : Above Luxury | Finch Hattons Luxury Safari Camp
Optional Activities (at Extra Cost):
-Sundowner experience in Tsavo West
-Guided nature walk in private conservancies
06:30 a.m. - 07:30 a.m. | Breakfast
Enjoy breakfast surrounded by Tsavo’s rugged scenery as the morning light reveals the park’s dramatic features.
08:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. | Scenic Transfer to Amboseli
Depart Tsavo West and journey across open plains and semi-arid landscapes towards Amboseli National Park.
As you approach Amboseli, the terrain opens up and Mount Kilimanjaro gradually comes into view, rising above the horizon in majestic fashion.
01:00 p.m. | Arrival and Lunch
Arrive at your lodge and enjoy lunch with sweeping views of Amboseli’s expansive plains.
03:30 p.m. - 06:30 p.m. | Afternoon Game Drive
Explore Amboseli’s famous open landscapes and swamp ecosystems, where wildlife congregates in large numbers.
Wildlife commonly observed includes:
-Large elephant herds with impressive tusks
-Lions and hyenas
-Buffalo, zebras and wildebeests
-Giraffes and prolific birdlife
The presence of Kilimanjaro provides a breathtaking backdrop, particularly in the golden afternoon light.
Evening | Dinner and Overnight
Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight, surrounded by the peaceful ambience of the African wilderness at the accommodation of your choice from the options below.
Option 1 : Budget | Amboseli Mountain View Camp | Manjaro Tented Camp | Nyati Safari Camp
Option 2 : Standard | Little Amanya Camp | Penety Amboseli Resort | Olemayian Amboseli Cottages
Option 3 : Luxury | AA Lodge | Sopa Lodge | Sentrim Amboseli | Kibo Safari Camp | Kilima Safari Camp
Option 4 : Above Luxury | Oltukai Lodge | Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge | Tulia Amboseli Safari Camp
Optional Activities (at Extra Cost):
-Maasai cultural village visit
-Sundowner with Kilimanjaro views
-Guided nature walk
Distance: Approx. 350 - 400 km
Drive Time: Approx. 7 - 8 hours
06:30 a.m. - 07:30 a.m. | Breakfast
Enjoy breakfast with final views of Kilimanjaro before departure.
08:00 a.m. - 01:30 p.m. | Scenic Drive via Nairobi into the Rift Valley
Travel north through Nairobi and ascend into the Great Rift Valley, where dramatic escarpments and panoramic viewpoints offer stunning photographic opportunities.
01:30 p.m. | Arrival and Lunch
Arrive at your lodge near Lake Naivasha and enjoy lunch overlooking the tranquil lake and surrounding acacia woodland.
03:30 p.m. - 06:30 p.m. | Afternoon Leisure / Lake Experience
Spend the afternoon enjoying the calm and scenic environment of Lake Naivasha, a refreshing contrast to the savannah parks.
The lake is home to hippos, fish eagles and a wide variety of birdlife, creating a peaceful yet wildlife-rich setting.
Evening | Dinner and Overnight
Dinner at the lodge followed by a relaxed evening by the lakeside. Overnight stay at the accommodation of your choice from the options below.
Options 1 : Budget | Hotel Chambai Safari
Options 2 : Standard | Panorama Hotel
Options 3 : Luxury | Naivasha Crescent Camp
Optional Activities (at Extra Cost):
-Boat Safari on Lake Naivasha
-Guided Walking Safari on Crescent Island
-Cycling or Hiking in Hell’s Gate National Park
-Visit Olkaria Geothermal Spa
-Birdwatching Experience
06:30 - 07:30 | Breakfast
Enjoy a relaxed breakfast overlooking the lake, often accompanied by birdlife and grazing herbivores nearby.
08:00 - 01:00 | Scenic Drive to Maasai Mara
Depart Naivasha and travel through rolling highlands and Maasai countryside as the landscape gradually opens into the vast savannah plains of the Maasai Mara National Reserve.
01:30 p.m. | Arrival and Lunch
Arrive at your lodge or camp and enjoy lunch before a short rest.
03:30 - 06:30 | Afternoon Game Drive
Your first Mara game drive introduces you to one of Africa’s most wildlife-rich ecosystems.
Wildlife commonly observed includes:
-Lions in prides
-Cheetahs and leopards
-Elephants and buffalo
-Zebras, wildebeests and gazelles
19:30 - 21:00 | Dinner and Overnight
Dinner at camp followed by overnight in the heart of the savannah at the accommodation of your choice from the options below.
Option 1: Budget | Rhino Tourist Camp | Lenchada Tourist Camp | Mara Ntulele Camp | Enchoro Wildlife Camp | Sunset Camp Masai Mara | Greenwood Safari Camp
Option 2: Standard | Jambo Mara Safari Lodge | Aruba Mara Camp | Osero Camp | Enkorok Mara Camp | Simba + Oryx Nature Camp
Option 3: Luxury | Mara Sopa Lodge | Sentrim Maasai Mara | AA Lodge | Sekenani Camp
Option 4: Above Luxury | Sarova Mara Game Camp | Ashnil Mara Camp | Muthu
Optional Activities (at Extra Cost):
-Maasai cultural village visit
-Private guided game drive
06:30 - 08:30 | Early Morning Game Drive
Depart at sunrise when predators are most active, witnessing lions returning from hunts and herbivores grazing across the plains.
08:30 - 09:30 | Breakfast
Return to lodge or enjoy a bush breakfast.
10:00 - 13:00 | Extended Game Viewing
Explore river systems and open plains, including areas where hippos and crocodiles gather. During migration season, vast herds of wildebeest and zebra dominate the landscape.
13:00 - 14:00 | Lunch
Lunch at lodge or picnic within the reserve.
15:30 - 18:30 | Afternoon Game Drive
Continue exploring different sectors of the reserve, maximising opportunities to encounter the Big Five and other wildlife.
19:30 - 21:00 | Dinner and Overnight
Dinner and overnight at the lodge, surrounded by the sounds of the African night at the accommodation of your choice from the options below.
Option 1: Budget | Rhino Tourist Camp | Lenchada Tourist Camp | Mara Ntulele Camp | Enchoro Wildlife Camp | Sunset Camp Masai Mara | Greenwood Safari Camp
Option 2: Standard | Jambo Mara Safari Lodge | Aruba Mara Camp | Osero Camp | Enkorok Mara Camp | Simba + Oryx Nature Camp
Option 3: Luxury | Mara Sopa Lodge | Sentrim Maasai Mara | AA Lodge | Sekenani Camp
Option 4: Above Luxury | Sarova Mara Game Camp | Ashnil Mara Camp | Muthu
Optional Activities (at Extra Cost):
-Hot air balloon safari with champagne breakfast
-Maasai cultural village visit
-Private sundowner experience
Distance: Approx. 270 km
Drive Time: Approx. 5 - 6 hours
06:30 a.m. - 07:30 a.m. | Breakfast
Enjoy your final breakfast in the Maasai Mara.
08:00 a.m. | Departure
Optional short game drive while exiting the reserve.
01:00 p.m. - 02:00 p.m. | Lunch Stop En Route
Optional lunch stop during the scenic drive back to Nairobi.
03:00 p.m. - 04:00 p.m. | Arrival in Nairobi
Drop-off at your hotel, residence or airport, marking the end of your safari.
Optional Activities (at Extra Cost):
-Souvenir shopping stop en route
Inclusions / Exclusions
Package includes
- Transport in a 4x4 Land Cruiser safari vehicle with pop-up roof
- Professional English-speaking driver-guide
- Park entrance fees for Tsavo West, Amboseli and Maasai Mara
- Accommodation for 5 nights
- All meals as per itinerary
- Game drives as per itinerary
- Bottled mineral water during game drives
- Government taxes and levies
Excludes
- International flights
- Personal travel insurance
- Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks
- Optional activities
- Lunch on Day 6 (unless specified)
- Tips and gratuities (optional but appreciated)
- Personal expenses
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, this itinerary is specifically designed to showcase a wide range of ecosystems, from volcanic terrain to freshwater lakes and open savannahs, offering a highly diverse safari experience.
Tsavo West stands out for its rugged volcanic landscapes, lava flows and natural springs such as Mzima Springs, creating a dramatic and less crowded safari environment.
Yes, Amboseli is renowned for its large elephant herds and offers some of the best close-up elephant viewing in Africa.
Lake Naivasha offers a variety of unique experiences including boat safaris, walking safaris on Crescent Island, cycling in Hell’s Gate and birdwatching along the lakeshore.
Yes, the Maasai Mara is one of the best places in Africa to see the Big Five, particularly lions, elephants and buffalo.
The migration typically occurs between July and October, when large herds of wildebeest cross into the Maasai Mara.
Yes, all transfers are conducted in a comfortable 4×4 safari vehicle with scenic stops along the way to enhance the journey.
Guests should pack light, neutral-coloured clothing, a warm layer for early mornings, sun protection, comfortable footwear, insect repellent and camera equipment.
Yes, the itinerary is flexible and suitable for a wide range of travellers, including couples, families and small groups.
